The Grand Piano
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The modern Piano is an instrument that has evolved from these earlier models. A normal Piano has 88 keys. The Piano has been an extremely popular instrument in Western classical music since the late 18th century. By the early 19th century the sound that the Piano made was big enough to fill large concert halls.
The Grand Piano by Johann Andreas Stein during the 1770’s had what came to be known as the “German” or “Viennese” action. They were light to the touch and were fitted with an escapement mechanism. Mozart greatly admired their bright even tone. And in 1792, the Grand Piano by John Broadwood introduced heavier strings and a stronger frame, among the other developments. His “English” action Pianos were more resistant to the touch and withheld a more powerful tone. English action pianos are the ancestors of the modern instrument. |
The piano is one of the most popular and versatile of all instruments with a large pitch range, exceeded only by that of the organ and is capable of great expressiveness. It remains important in the home where it is used both as a solo and accompanying instrument.